...the L'oreal awardees

2 Filipino scientists win L'Oreal awards

 

By INA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

October 1, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipino woman scientists were Saturday honored as the first National Fellows by L’Oreal’s For Women in Science (FWIS) awards.

The two – Dr. Maria Corazon de Ungria and Dr. Laura T. David – were cited for making a name for themselves and for overcoming biases and the seeming lack of opportunities to maximize the use of their potentials in the world of science.

De Ungria and David were awarded fellowship grants worth P400,000 each, after the judging by jury chaired by Prof. Lourdes Cruz, the first Filipino and first ASEAN Laureate of the FWIS L’Oréal-United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Awards.

De Ungria is a professorial lecturer for the Science and Technology Series at the College of Science and head of the DNA Analysis Laboratory of the Natural Sciences Research Institute of the University of the Philippines. She was awarded the FWIS National Fellowship grant for her research proposal in Mitochondrial DNA Diversity of Philippine Negrito Populations. The project is part of an overall program aiming to study Philippine genetic diversity for anthropological, forensic and medical applications.

David is a professor at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines and is an active member in the Technical Committee on Climate Change of the Philippine National Academy of Science and Technology and IGBP-Land Ocean Interaction in the Coastal Zone Project SEAsia Node Core group. Her research proposal in Endeavoring for Wise Mariculture, a study of the different regions of the Philippines vis-à-vis their physical characteristics to evaluate the appropriateness of sites to set up a mariculture park, won her the prestigious award.

For over a decade, FWIS, in collaboration with the UNESCO, is the first of its kind award program, aiming to promote excellence among young woman scientists worldwide.

In past years, it was one of the most anticipated annual events in the scientific community in more than 93 countries. To date, nearly 1,100 women have received FWIS awards – 67 laureates from 30 countries, and over 1,000 fellowship awardees.

The awards, which started 12 years ago, came about because the field of science has traditionally been a man’s world. Since 1901, there were over 300 recipients of the Nobel Prize in the sciences but only 10 of them – about 3 percent – were women.

In 2010, L’Oréal Philippines, in partnership with other participating countries joined the battlecry, “The world needs science... Science needs women,” bringing the ambitious program to the local scene. FWIS National Fellowships – Philippines 2010, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and UNESCO Philippines was launched to search for exceptional women in the Life and Material Sciences.

L’Oréal Philippines Managing Director Luc Olivier-Marque said scientific excellence is always at the heart of L’Oréal. “We invest heavily in research and innovation to ensure that we provide the best in the cosmetics industry,” he said.

...the advocate turned actress

Filipina makes waves in Korea

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia,

abs-cbnNEWS.com

 09/30/2011

 

MANILA, Philippines - Jasmine Lee, a Seoul-based Filipina, is appearing in an upcoming Korean film "Punch" (Wandeugi) which stars young actor Yoo Ah-in.

 

Lee is already a familiar face for Korean audiences, having been a panelist on popular KBS television show "Love in Asia" since 2006 and is widely considered an unofficial spokesperson for migrant wives.

Now, the 34-year-old Davao native is dipping her feet in Korean show business with her role in Punch as a Filipina mother who abandons her son.

The role was written as a Vietnamese woman in the best-selling novel the film was based on. But the film's producers decided to change the character to a Filipino once they met with Lee.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Lee admitted she did not think the producers will change the role to a Filipina for her.

"I really thought they wouldn't change the nationality because they need to follow the book, but they did. I'm proud and worried at the same time - proud that I'll be represented as I am, a Filipina, in the movie. And worried because here in Korea I've been fighting to better the image of married migrant women," she said.

Punch is Lee's second film, after making a cameo appearance as a runaway Vietnamese wife in the blockbuster hit "Secret Reunion", which starred Song Kang-ho and Kang Dong-won, last year.

"After the success of 'Secret Reunion,' some people I met who recognized me from the movie, eh nakikipagtalo pa sa akin na I'm Vietnamese... Now after 'Wandeugi' people will say, 'hey she's from the Philippines'," she said.

Lee has only nice things to say about working with the 26-year-old Yoo, who played her son. Yoo had appeared in the popular drama "Sungkyungkwan Scandal" last year.

"He was great all through out. He's just like a little kid! He's fun and he called me 'omma' (mother) all throughout the filming. So I call him 'adeul' (son) too. When he sees me, he welcomes me with a hug and asks me if im not hungry," she said.

Punch, directed by Lee Han ("Lover's Concerto" and "Almost Love"), will have its world premiere at the Pusan International Film Festival on October 9 in the southern port city of Busan. It will be shown in Korean cinemas on October 20.

Face of Filipinos in Korea

Lee is widely considered the face of Filipinos and migrant wives in South Korea, as she works to change deeply-held stereotypes and improve multiculturalism efforts in the traditionally homogenous Korean society.

Her life even sounds like a telenovela. She met her future husband Lee Dong-ho in Davao in 1994.

The 18-year-old Ateneo de Davao student fell in love with the Korean sailor, who was 12 years her senior. They married and moved to Seoul in 1995.

There were many difficulties at first, adjusting to life in Korea and not knowing the language, culture and traditions. But she managed to overcome these adversities, speaking Korean fluently like a native, becoming a naturalized Korean citizen and raising a son Alex and daughter Chloe.

Lee slowly made the transition to a public figure around 2006, when she was asked to be a panelist on the TV show "Love in Asia." In 2008, she became a TV presenter on educational broadcasting network's "Basic Korean for Foreigners".

But tragedy struck last year, when her husband Dong-ho died while rescuing Chloe from drowning in a river. The incident was widely reported in Korea, where there has been increasing interest in multicultural families.

This only served to raise Lee's profile in Korean society. She was asked to deliver lectures multiculturalism in various schools and universities around the country, and has been profiled in newspapers and featured on TV shows.

Lee was also the only foreigner who was invited to participate in a series of G20-themed lectures, with her speech on "Multiculturalism makes Korea strong?" Earlier this year, Lee was even personally invited by Korean president Lee Myung-bak to a meeting at the presidential house.

Lee earned the respect and admiration of many Koreans, even receiving the accolade "People Who Enlighten the World" from Korea Green Foundation in 2010. At present, she works for the PR team at the Seoul Global Center, one of the first migrant women hired to be civil servants by Seoul City Government.

With all these achievements, many Filipinos in Korea are proud that a "kababayan" is raising the image of the Philippines among Koreans.

Asked how she feels about this, Lee said she is "flattered, proud, unnerved at times."

"It's a big responsibility, but it can be a burden at times. Tao lang naman kasi ako. I want to make mistakes like any other human being but I can't let everyone down. But it kind of gives me the courage and the strength to do good in everything because I know my family, married migrants, the Pinoys here in Korea and of course the country I represent, are all rooting for me," Lee said.

...the Hong Kong landmark case

Filipina wins landmark Hong Kong residency case

Agence France-Presse, Associated Press

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Eman C. Villanueva, second right, secretary general of the United Filipinos in Hong Kong, and other supporters of the Filipino migrants organizations flash victory signs outside High Court in Hong Kong Friday. AP

HONG KONG—A Filipino maid in Hong Kong won the opening legal battle Friday in her fight for permanent residency after a court ruled an immigration provision excluding the city’s hundreds of thousands of foreign maids was unconstitutional.

The legal action, brought by Evangeline Banao Vallejos, who has lived in Hong Kong since 1986, has cast a spotlight on the financial hub’s treatment of its army of 292,000 maids, most of whom are from the Philippines or Indonesia.

The High Court ruled that the immigration provision denying the maids the right to gain permanent residency after seven years — as other foreign residents can — was inconsistent with the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution.

“My conclusion is that on the common law interpretation approach the impugned provision is inconsistent with (Hong Kong’s Basic Law),” Judge Johnson Lam wrote in a ruling issued Friday.

Lam rejected arguments by Hong Kong government lawyers that the maids did not have the same residency status as other foreign residents.

“The mere maintenance of (a) link with her country of origin does not mean that (a maid) is not ordinarily resident in Hong Kong.”

The government is likely to appeal Friday’s ruling.

The case was launched by Vallejos, a longtime foreign domestic helper, who sought a judicial review after her bid for permanent residency was rejected.

Vallejos’s lawyer Mark Daly hailed the decision as “a good win for the rule of law.”

“To be clear, Ms Vallejos won on the unconstitutionality of the provisions,” said Daly, one of the lawyers handling her case.

“We spoke to Vallejos—she said she thanks God and all the people who have helped her, including her employer and her lawyers,” he said. “She is busy working so she has no time to be here today.”

The case has divided opinion in Hong Kong, with some arguing that immigration provisions barring maids from applying amounts to ethnic discrimination.

Activists said the legal challenge would entrench domestic workers’ right to equality, but opponents fear it will open the floodgates to new immigrants, which would put a strain on the city’s resources.

A pro-government political party has warned there would be an influx of as many as 500,000 people — including children and spouses of foreign maids — that would cost HK$25 billion ($3.2 billion) in social welfare spending.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong forecast unemployment could jump from the current 3.5 percent to 10 percent.

The government has declined to say how many maids would currently be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Under Hong Kong law, foreigners can apply to settle in the city after seven years of uninterrupted residency, but maids were specifically excluded.

Vallejos challenged the restriction, saying it was unconstitutional and discriminatory, but the government argued in court it was “appropriate” and that it is empowered to define who is eligible for residency.

Another court hearing will be held on October 26 on whether Vallejos can now be declared a permanent resident, but government lawyers have already said they would appeal any ruling in favor of the maids.

The case could also have implications beyond Hong Kong for other Asian economies that rely on cheap imported labor for cooking, cleaning and care of the young and elderly.

Foreign maids in Hong Kong are entitled to better working conditions than in other parts of Asia — they are guaranteed one day off a week, paid sick leave, and a minimum wage of HK3,740 ($480) a month.

But rights groups say they still face general discrimination and a lack of legal protection. A maid’s visa is tied to a specific employer, leaving her vulnerable to domestic abuse, the activists say.

Without the right to permanent residency, if dismissed by her employer she must find another job in domestic service or leave Hong Kong within two weeks.

Daly said he expected the government to appeal within the 28-day deadline.

About 290,000 of Hong Kong’s 7.1 million people are foreign maids.

...the Pinoy films in Dubai fest

Award-winning Pinoy films to be featured in Dubai festival

09/29/2011

GMA News

Award-winning Filipino films will be shown in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on November 25 and 26 as part of the first "Philippine Festival" there.

According to the news site Gulf News, the festival will also feature workshops with Mowelfund executive director Boots Anson-Roa and actor and director Soxie Topacio.

The films to be shown during the festival are:

"Rosario;"

"Ded na si Lolo" (Grandfather is Dead);

"Botelya" (Bottle), and

"Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?" (We Were Like This Before, How Are You Today?).

The organizers of the event include Kitsch Company and the Philippine Movie Workers Welfare Fund (Mowelfund), a foundation for movie industry workers founded by former Philippine president Joseph Estrada, who was also a movie actor.

Kitsch Company managing partner Obet Ramos told Gulf News that the festival intends to reach out to Filipino youths born and raised in the UAE.

While admission is free, Gulf News said the number of festival tickets is limited. Those who are interested may send an email to marketingservices@thekitschcompany.com.

Featured films

"Rosario" is a period film set in the 1920s. Directed by Filipino actor Albert Martinez , it is based on the story of a young and liberated Filipino woman who defied convention and risked her comfortable life for love.

"Ded na si Lolo" is a drama-comedy about the superstitions and mourning practices of Filipinos. It was the Philippines' entry in the foreign-language film category of the 82nd Oscar Awards last year.

"Botelya" is a story about different mothers separated by time but all giving unconditional love to their children.

"Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?" is an award winning Filipino romantic musical drama set in the Spanish era, directed by Filipino National Artist Eddie Romero. - VVP, GMA News

...the math wizzards at Modena, Italy

4 Pinoy students win math, science medals in int'l tilts

 

By FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD

September 29, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

 

 

MANILA, Philippines — The medal haul of the Philippines in the most prestigious mathematics and science competitions in the world continued as four high school students bagged gold, silver and bronze medals in the recently-concluded 5th International Earth Science Olympiad, the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DoST-SEI) disclosed Thursday.

Bringing honor and pride for the Philippines from Modena, Italy where the competition was held were gold medalist Williard Joshua Jose of Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Main Campus, silver medalists Christoper Jan Landicho of PSHS Bicol Region Campus and Charles Kevin Tiu of St Jude Catholic School in Manila and bronze medalist John Allan Olesco of Aquinas University Science High School. Jose earlier won a silver medal in last year’s IESO held in Nigeria.

The winning team was mentored by Prof. Miguel Cano of Bicol University and Dr. Marietta de Leon with PSHS Main Campus Director Dr. Helen Caintic acting as an observer.

IESO, held September 5-14, 2011, is the premiere international earth science competition for secondary school students, 17 years old and below. It was the first time that the competition was held in Europe and in Italy. The Philippines hosted the IESO in Bicol in 2008.

The competition covers areas such as astronomy, geology and geophysics, atmospherics and meteorology.
DoST-SEI Director Dr. Filma G. Brawner extended her congratulations to the team, urging them to venture into science careers.

“The IESO is a good starting point for students to look at the earth from a different point of view and explore it. There is still so much more to be discovered and we are hopeful that the IESO winners will take the lead in looking for new information about the world we live in,” Brawner said.

Brawner said contests, such as the IESO, is a good venue for students to be competitive and to excel in the fields they want to pursue.

“Competitions make pupils go beyond what they learn inside their classrooms. With time pressure incorporated in competitions, students are trained to work with grace under pressure. But, more importantly, exposure to international competitions should translate into entry into science careers,” she said.

Brawner said that beyond the medals, math and science competitions also raise public awareness on how science affects lives and moves the country forward.

“The IESO is intended to raise student interest in and public awareness of earth science, to enhance earth science learning of students, and to identify talented and gifted students in earth science,” she said.

Cano, meanwhile, expressed its gratitude to Philex Mining Corporation, Rapu Rapu Polymetallic Project, Geological Society of the Philippines, Hope Christian High School, Bureau of Mines and Geo-sciences, Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Vibal Publishing House; and APO Central Italy for making possible the trip of the team to the contest venue.

...the Signature Art finalist

Pinoy a finalist in prestigious Signature Art Prize

abs-cbnNEWS.com

09/29/2011

 

 

"Baston ni Kabunian, Bilang Pero di Mabilang" by Rodel Tapaya

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino artist is one of the 15 finalists in the 2011 Signature Art Prize, a competition that recognizes significant works of art coming from the Asia Pacific region's contemporary art landscape.

Rodel Tapaya was chosen out of 130 hopefuls from 24 countries and territories. A total of nine Filipinos participated in the Signature Art Prize this year.

This is a breakthrough achievement for the Philippines since this is the first time the country is participating in the contest, said Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Foundation, funder of the Signature Art Prize.

"Filipino artist Rodel Tapaya's painting, 'Baston ni Kabunia, Bilang Pero di Mabilang,' employs imagery from Filipino folklore juxtaposed with elements of modern day Philippines, commenting on pre-colonial myths, stories and cultural heritage while also commenting on current issues such as environmental destruction," APB Foundation said in a statement.

The rest of the finalists came from Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. South Korea has two finalists this year.

"Each of the 15 shortlisted artworks has stood for its strength of concept and execution, and many are also extremely moving pieces," said a statement from the jury panel, which includes art experts from the region.

"The Signature Art Prize does not rest on a system of national quotas. Rather, it recognizes and honors the outstanding merit of the singular artwork or art project."

APB Foundation said the 15 artworks will be presented at the finalists' exhibition, which will run at the Singapore Art Museum from November 11 to March 12 next year. The winners will be named on November 17.

The Grand Prize winner will receive 45,000 Singapore dollars. Three Jurors' Prize awardees and one People's Choice awardee, on the other hand, will receive 10,000 Singapore dollars each.

The Signature Art Prize is organized by the Singapore Art Museum.

...the English-speaking finalist

Filipina wins major London tilt

September 29, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

 

 

British Am bass ador Stephen Lillie (left) and wife Denise (right) hosted a reception for Germaine Chuabiao (fourth from left), Philippine delegate and finalist in the annual International Public Speaking Contest organised by the English Speaking Union.

MANILA, Philippines — British Ambassador Stephen Lillie recently hosted a reception at his residence in honor of Germaine Chuabiao, Philippine delegate and finalist in this year’s International Public Speaking Contest organized annually by the English Speaking Union (ESU) in London.

Chuabiao was chosen as one of six finalists of the competition out of 82 national winners from 49 countries. The competition was held at the headquarters of HSBC Bank in London’s Canary Wharf.

A Communication Arts and Accountancy student at De La Salle University, Chuabiao spoke on what it has been like to have a special child as a twin sister, and how society should learn to cope with such situations.

At the reception, Ambassador Lillie noted that Philippine competitors had joined the International Public Speaking Contest every year since 2002. “This is a great tribute to the Philippines as one of the world’s largest English-speaking nations. Within just a decade, Philippine candidates have achieved great success at the ESU competition.”

Also at the reception were the chairman of the ESU Philippines Board, former Ambassador to the UK Cesar Bautista; ESU Philippines president Dr Ma. Luz C. Vilches of Ateneo de Manila University, and other board members.

Sponsors HSBC and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation were represented by their Philippine country heads Tony Cripps and Edgar Chua, respectively.

...the new Nestle CFO

UP grad named CFO of world's biggest food group

abs-cbnNEWS.com

09/28/2011

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - Wan Ling Martello, a Filipino-Chinese American citizen, has been appointed the new executive vice president and chief finance officer of Nestle S.A., the world's biggest food company.

 

Martello replaces Canadian Jim Singh, who retired after 35 years with Nestle.

The board of directors of the Switzerland-based conglomerate appointed Martello, currently Walmart's executive vice president of global e-commerce for emerging markets, effective April 1, 2012.

Martello is a US citizen of Chinese and Philippine origin. She is a certified public accountant with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accountancy from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. She also has an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

"I am confident that Wan Ling will blend well into the Nestlé culture and that her strong experience in finance and the food and beverage business, both from the industry and retail angle, will allow her to further enhance the Nestlé model combining top-line growth with continuous margin improvement and an improved return on invested capital," said Nestle CEO Paul Bulcke.

Kepler Capital Markets analyst Jon Cox said: "Wow! This is probably an indication of how much more modern the company has become over the last decade in terms of a female appointment and an American."

"To be honest Nestle is a well oiled machine packed with management talent so a change should not make much of a difference to overall strategy," Cox said.

Martello has extensive experience in finance, as well as the food and beverage and retail segments. She previously worked with Kraft Foods, Borden Foods Corp. and NCH Marketing Services Inc., a former subsidiary of Nielsen.

She joined Walmart in 2005, where she gained extensive experience in retail and e-commerce business at Walmart. 

Martello won the 2008 Asian Women in Business (AWIB) Corporate Leadership Award in 2008 when she was still CFO for Wal-Mart.

According to the AWIB website, Martello was born and raised in the Philippines, but she and her family immigrated to the US for better educational opportunities.

The website said Martello's father was her role model and mentor, who "taught her self-reliance and clear thinking".

Asked for advice to women climbing the corporate ladder, Martello said "you are the master of your own destiny ... and never forget it is just as important to help others to succeed as well".   - with Reuters

...the aid recipient becomes the donor

PH donating $1M to Japan

By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO

September 26, 2011

Manila Bulletin

SENDAI, Japan – They’ve been the Philippines’ biggest investor and source of funds and grants for countryside development to alleviate poverty.

President Aquino returned the favor to the Japanese people for their support through these years as he pledged Monday to donate $1 million for the restoration of Ishinomaki City in the Miyagi prefecture.
“This is the pledge of assistance from our people and the government,” said Aquino.

The President made the pledge in a simple ceremony with city hall officials led by Ishinomaki Mayor Hiroshi Kameyama.

The Ishinomaki city hall was damaged during quake that hit Japan last March 11. City officials are temporarily staying in a mall located in the city.

This city lost 3,097 lives, three of them Filipino workers, with around 2,770 others still missing.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the donation will come from the President’s Social Fund and it will be handed over to Japanese officials soon.

Kameyama welcomed the donation, grateful with the gesture of support.

Ishinomaki was one of the worst hit by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake last March 11, with the port city almost leveled to the ground by the 10-meter tsunami that followed.

In the coastal port of Ayukawa and the district Kadonowaki, both in Miyagi, eight out of 10 houses were destroyed, while almost 50 percent of the city was inundated by the tsunami.

Among those that did not escape the devastation was one elementary school, Okawa Elementary, where the President offered flowers in memory 74 of 108 students and 10 of 13 teachers and staff killed.

At the height of rescue operations, the Philippine government sent relief goods and items such as blankets and bottled water and doctors to help treat the injured and those traumatized.

“We are prepared to assist to the level we are able to,” said Aquino.

Aquino also took the opportunity to thank the Japanese local officials for their help and assistance to the Filipinos in Ishinomaki who were affected by the earthquake and the tsunami.

The President then separately visited the Kadonawaki Junior High School Evacuation Center and Catholic Church Kindergarten Building, both in Ishinomaki City where he met with the Filipino community.

In his speech, he highlighted the improvement in the country’s economy, with 7.6 percent increase in gross domestic product last year.

“The rating agencies have upgraded us, saying it is worthwhile to invest in the Philippines. These are four rating agencies and one of these was the Japan credit rating agency. They are saying we’ve made improvements and these results in lower interests on our loans,” said Aquino.

Some members of the Filipino community who have made the Miyagi prefecture their second home lost their properties, while others lost their families.

The Japanese government extended assistance to the victims by providing them with homes complete with furniture and other household equipment.

It is a special relationship that has been tested in the best and the worst of times, built of long-standing friendship and mutual cooperation.

Japan has been the single biggest source of official development assistance – soft loans to finance countryside development – and the biggest foreign direct investors to the Philippines.

This year, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas said the country remains recipient of $3 billion in ODA despite the tsunami that hit Japan’s coastal areas.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez has informed the President that it would be a generous gesture to continue sending medical doctors and psychologists to help the survivors cope and deal with the trauma.

“I have recommended with the President if we could continue sending doctors and psychologists not only to help our countrymen staying in Miyagi but also the Japanese people,” Lopez said

...the FIBA climber

Philippines climbs FIBA rankings after Asia tourney

 

abs-cbnNEWS.com

09/26/2011

 

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines climbed 8 places higher in FIBA’s world rankings, thanks to Smart Gilas Pilipinas’ performance in the recent Asian Championship.

 

 

 

The country improved its ranking to No. 45 from No. 53, according to FIBA.com.

Gilas reached the semifinals of the FIBA Asia Championship by beating the likes of Japan, Syria, Bahrain and Chinese Taipei.

The Nationals eventually finished at 4th place after back-to-back defeats to Jordan and South Korea.

Asian powerhouse China won the FIBA Asia title and a qualification to the 2012 London Olympics.

...the sweet energy

PHL may produce sweet sorghum bioethanol by 2013

09/26/2011

GMA News

By 2013, the country may start producing the first sweet sorghum-based bioethanol, the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) said Monday.

According to the bureau, the Philippine National Oil Co.-Alternative Fuels Corp. (PNOC-AFC) is now in exploratory talks with the San Carlos Bioenergy Inc. to create a 1,000-hectare sweet sorghum plantation in Negros Occidental.

The plantation’s produce will be used as feedstock for the San Carlos Bioenergy plant in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

“We're trying to do this because the price of sugar in the market is very volatile, and we need to help produce the feedstock," said BAR director Nicomedes Eleazar.

Sweet sorghum is ideal to sugarcane as ethanol feedstock because of its resilience to drought and lower water requirements, according to the bureau.

Prior high prices of sugar in the world market have prompted farmers in northern Negros to sell sugarcane for sugar production rather than bioethanol feedstock. Sugar producers offer as much as P2,200 per metric ton (MT) for sugarcane while ethanol distilleries can only offer P1,550 per MT.

Studies have indicated that sweet sorghum production would need P45 million to P75 million in investments to cover the P30,000 to P50,000 per hectare in production cost. Estimates show that 1,000 hectares of sweet sorghum may produce as much as 2.5 million liters of bioethanol per year.

Importance of feasibility study

Rex Demafelis of the University of the Philippines Los Baños Alternative Energy Research, Development, and Extension Thrusts said that the BAR helped in mainstreaming sweet sorghum as complementary feedstock to bioethanol.

Demafelis also highlighted the importance of a feasibility study, due by the end of 2012 from AFC, to validate previous past studies. AFC is also doing a “site specificity analysis."

Once a feasibility study confirms the economic viability of the plantation, AFC and San Carlos Bionenergy will then sign a memorandum of agreement.

Two other companies did a comprehensive research on sweet sorghum for ethanol. Seaoil affiliate Fuel Inc. started a 16,000-square-meter field trail area in Negros Occidental after acquiring a 36-hectare area in Negros for an ethanol production plant.

Lucio Tan’s Negros Biochem Corp., meanwhile, has an 848-sqm trial area with an observed yield of 49 MT per hectare.

Increasing demand

With the implementation of the mandated 10 percent mix of bioethanol in gasoline, the country’s total ethanol requirement is seen to hit 400 million liters per year.

By 2015, levels are expected to reach 645 million liters with a 15 percent mandated bioenthanol-gas mix.

Foreign exchange savings were estimated at $218.203 million starting in 2010, $789.3 million by 2015 and $1.274 billion by 2020.

Bioethanol production is also expected to generate up to 289,611 jobs by 2020. — BC/VS, GMA News

...the next tiger economy

Business leader cites 5 reasons why Philippines can become next Asean tiger

By: Doris C. Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Monday, September 26th, 2011

 

Manila, Philippines—The Philippines has a fresh opportunity to be Asia’s next tiger economy, potentially regaining the glory lost decades ago, according to a visiting regional business leader from Brunei.

Dato Timothy Ong, a leading Brunei businessman who founded and now chairs regional dialogue platform Asia Inc. Forum, said in a press briefing on Monday that he has seen signs that the Philippines could revisit its goal of being the next Asian tiger despite staying at the bottom half of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in terms of economic performance for years.

Ong is also the convener of Asean 100 Leadership Forum, which will be hosted by the city of Makati on Sept. 28-29 at the Makati Shangri-La. This year’s Asean meet aims to foster insightful and intelligent discussions on the future of Asean and how the region can emerge as one of the world’s significant economic blocs.

For Ong, the Philippines can join the ranks of Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong, the so-called Asian “tiger” economies or newly industrializing countries. He cited five reasons why the country, though a “dark horse,” had the makings of the next “tiger.”

First and foremost, Ong said the new leadership under President Aquino has promised to weed out corruption in the country, which has been creating a lot of optimism.

It’s widely perceived that the high level of corruption in the country has driven up the cost of doing business.

The second reason, Ong said, would be the Philippines’ vast pool of hardworking and skilled manpower, many of whom have been deployed across the globe. “With this wealth of human resources, it’s important to ask then why the Philippines isn’t more successful economically,” he said.

The third factor would be the Philippines’ “centers of excellence,” Ong said, noting that the country has become a competitive hub for business process outsourcing. He likened the Makati central business district to a “First World” city in a Third World country. “If the Philippines is capable of being first world in these centers of excellence, why can’t it be First World in every respect?” he said.

Ong said the fourth reason would be the Philippines’ homegrown companies that were at par with the world’s best. He cited fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp., international port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. and the Ayala group of companies.

“There is a sense of optimism that characterizes the country as a whole. As the new government takes its steps in leading the country towards change, it may be able to experience higher standards of governance,” he said.

Finally, Ong noted the Philippines’ “sharply improving competitiveness” as another factor supporting its aspiration to be the next tiger economy. He cited recent reports that the Philippines had jumped 10 notches to 75 from 85 in the latest ranking of the World Economic Forum. Ong said this happened only within the first 15 months of the term of the new president.

Meanwhile, Ong said Asean would likely partly meet its target to establish an integrated economic community by 2015.

“A One Asean is important for our collective future to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and economic stability in the region; to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in economic, social, cultural, technical and administrative spheres,” Ong said.

“At the moment, Southeast Asia is like a big gated community where neighbors barely know each other. They know each other by name, they exchange pleasantries but they wouldn’t really go out of their way to have dinner at each other’s house,” he said.

Once integrated, he said, Asean could be a very influential bloc as it could become Asia’s third-largest economy next to China and Japan and the ninth-largest in the world.

...the rugby boys

Philippine Volcanoes 2nd only to Japan in Asian 7s

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

9:23 pm | Monday, September 26th, 2011

 

 

The Philippine Volcanoes continued their remarkable run in the international arena with a silver medal finish in the Asian Men’s Rugby 7s Championships Sunday at the Lika Stadium in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia.

 

 

Considered long shots because of their No. 7 ranking, the Volcanoes pulled off a surprise when they reached the final opposite Japan, after stunning China in the last four and besting Malaysia, Kazakhstan and United Arab Emirates in the earlier rounds.

Playing in their first Cup final in the Asian Rugby League, the Volcanoes put up a gallant stand, before losing to Asian No. 1 Japan, 46-0.

Still, the second-place finish was an impressive feat for the Volcanoes, who have gradually climbed the Asian rugby ladder in recent years under coach Matt Cullen.

“The Volcanoes have been on the cusp of greatness for the past two years and this tournament has proven that the Philippines can compete with the best teams in Asia,” said the Australian mentor, whose squad is looking forward to playing in the prestigious Hong Kong 7s in March. “This is only the beginning.”

The Filipinos’ biggest victory in Malaysia came against China, which they nipped in sudden death thanks to a try from the fleet-footed Harry Morris.

Playing against a team it had never beaten in four previous matches, the Volcanoes leaned on Luke Matthews and Chris Hitch who scored a try each to force a 14-all draw at fulltime, setting the stage for the thrilling finish.

The Volcanoes overwhelmed Malaysia, 28-14.

The Volcanoes had sent shockwaves with a stunning 19-14 upset of South Korea in the Shanghai 7s early this month, a victory that boosted them to their current Asian ranking.

...the good news

Aquino to inform Japan’s PM Noda of better business climate in Philippines

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sunday, September 25th, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino is raring to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Japanese investors to give them a picture of a refreshing business climate in the Philippines during his working visit to Japan.

Aquino, who arrived in Japan Sunday afternoon, is also looking forward to his “personal call’’ on Emperor Akihito, who invited his mother, the late President Corazon C. Aquino, to his enthronement in 1990, as well as his meeting with the Filipino community.

“We’re coming off successful trips to other countries. In August, we went to the People’s Republic of China, and just last week to the United States. These are signs not only of our improving foreign relations, but of other countries’ increasing confidence in the Philippines. Today we’re traveling to Japan to further boost relations between our two countries,’’ he said in a speech before flying to Japan Sunday morning.

Aquino is meeting Noda to strengthen trade relations between the two countries and “map out the direction’’ of their joint efforts to improve their respective societies. He said he would personally extend sympathies to the Prime Minister over the catastrophe caused by a tsunami and a nuclear crisis triggered by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake in northeast Japan in March.

“We will express our oneness with them in their grief and hope that this will not happen again,’’ he told a crowd of government officials, including Vice President Jejomar Binay, Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa Jr., Senator Franklin Drilon, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Secretary Patricia Licuanan of the Commission on Higher Education, Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon,  Armed Forces Chief Geneneral Eduardo Oban, Coast Guard commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag, and Francis Tolentino of the Metro Manila Development Authority.

Aquino is just as eager to sit down for a flurry of meetings with Japanese investors, who he said should be exhorted once more to invest in the Philippines.

“Once again, we will introduce the rich potential of our more than 7,000 islands, and a new Philippines that is more fair, more refreshing area for investment,” he said. “We will introduce a Philippines that is treading the right path to good governance, more open and fair for business, and ready to join hands with other countries toward a better future.’’

Aquino said his meeting with Akihito would be more “personal’’ since his mother, among other state leaders and foreign dignitaries, witnessed his grand enthronement at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in November 1990.
“Now that we’re serving as President, we’re thankful to the Emperor for his invitation,’’ he said.

Aquino is also meeting with “hardworking” members of the Filipino community in Japan, including those living in tsunami-devastated Sendai, and share the “good news” with them.

The presidential delegation includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.